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Behavioral and hormonal assessment of stress in foals (Equus caballus) throughout the weaning process. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280078. [PMID: 36607910 PMCID: PMC9821722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study had the aim to demonstrate the midterm effects (three weeks) of weaning on foals' welfare. For this purpose, foals' behavioral changes and fecal levels metabolites of cortisol were evaluated. The observations took place at the state stud farm of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany. Ten foals (six colts and four fillies) were observed from one day before weaning up until three weeks after weaning. Weaning was divided into three blocks, the first in September, the second in October, and the last in November. The behavioral observation was done during an eight-hour period between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The observer documented the exact behavior shown by the foal every five minutes during the eight hours. To scale the stress experienced by the foal, the glucocorticoid metabolite 11,17-dioxoandrostane was measured with the 11-oxoetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay, which allows assessing the foal's plasma cortisol level changes throughout the trail through fecal samples. All foals displayed a distinct hormonal stress response to the weaning process through increased fecal cortisol metabolite levels. Their body posture distribution took a shift from mainly moving before weaning to mainly standing during the three weeks after weaning. Compared with the day before weaning, the foals showed less active behavior and significantly increased their resting behavior. Regarding the overall resting behavior, the weaned foals initially increased their time spent resting in a lying position during daytime and then started to decrease the time lying. After weaning, the foals showed a significant increase in resting while standing. In conclusion, the foals showed an expected behavioral development and an expected curve of cortisol metabolite values throughout the study. However, it seemed that the changes had not returned "back to normal" at three weeks after weaning. Therefore, we suggest that weaned foals need a minimum of three weeks to acclimate to the new situation.
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Henry S, Sigurjónsdóttir H, Klapper A, Joubert J, Montier G, Hausberger M. Domestic Foal Weaning: Need for Re-Thinking Breeding Practices? Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020361. [PMID: 32102206 PMCID: PMC7070483 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial weaning is a standard practice known to be one of the most stressful events in a domestic foal's life. Research has mainly focused on ways to alleviate weaning stress. However, there is still a need for more detailed research on what should constitute best practices with respect to animal welfare. The aim of this review is to address this issue by examining the natural weaning process. We first provide an overview of the scientific literature on the natural temporal dynamics of the dam-offspring bond in horses: it is to be noted that the natural process of weaning is little documented, individual variations have been poorly investigated and immediate effects of weaning on the mare-foal relationship remain unexplored. To partly address these gaps, we performed a study around the weaning period on 16 mare-foal pairs kept with minimal human interference. Most foals were weaned spontaneously when 9-10 months old, with individual variations mainly due to the conception rate of mares. Natural weaning induced no stress response in either partner and was performed without clear signs of rejection by the dams either just before or after. We lastly open up the discussion on the need for rethinking weaning practices under domestic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Henry
- Univ Rennes, Normandie Univ, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)—UMR 6552, F-35000 Rennes, France; (A.K.); (J.J.); (G.M.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Hrefna Sigurjónsdóttir
- Faculty of Subject Teacher Education, School of Education, University of Iceland, Stakkahlíð, R105 Reykjavík, Iceland;
| | - Aziliz Klapper
- Univ Rennes, Normandie Univ, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)—UMR 6552, F-35000 Rennes, France; (A.K.); (J.J.); (G.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Julie Joubert
- Univ Rennes, Normandie Univ, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)—UMR 6552, F-35000 Rennes, France; (A.K.); (J.J.); (G.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Gabrielle Montier
- Univ Rennes, Normandie Univ, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)—UMR 6552, F-35000 Rennes, France; (A.K.); (J.J.); (G.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Martine Hausberger
- Univ Rennes, Normandie Univ, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)—UMR 6552, F-35000 Rennes, France; (A.K.); (J.J.); (G.M.); (M.H.)
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Lansade L, Foury A, Reigner F, Vidament M, Guettier E, Bouvet G, Soulet D, Parias C, Ruet A, Mach N, Lévy F, Moisan MP. Progressive habituation to separation alleviates the negative effects of weaning in the mother and foal. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 97:59-68. [PMID: 30005282 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Early and definitive separation between offspring and their mothers has negative consequences on behavioral and physiological responses. This study compared sudden and definitive weaning (Sudd group, N = 16) and weaning involving progressive habituation to separation using a fence line during the month preceding definitive separation (Prog group, N = 18). The impact of these two methods was assessed in both foals and their mothers through behavioral and biological parameters, including salivary cortisol, telomere length and blood transcriptomes. On the day of definitive separation, Prog foals neighed and trotted less and presented lower cortisol levels than Sudd foals. The weaning type also acted on the foals' personality development; Prog foals became more curious, less fearful and less gregarious than Sudd foals, and the effects remained visible for at least 3 months. In principal component analysis, the Sudd and Prog groups were well separated along a factor where fear, reactivity and gregariousness correlated with high cortisol levels, but curiosity was associated with an increased telomere length and higher expression of genes involved in mitochondrial functions. Progressive weaning was also beneficial in mares. Principal component analysis showed that most Sudd group mares had higher cortisol levels and displayed more alert postures, neighs and activity on the day of weaning, indicating higher stress levels, while Prog mares had profiles that were characterized by more time spent resting on the day of weaning and longer telomere lengths. In conclusion, this study shows that progressive habituation to separation alleviates the negative effect of definitive weaning on both the mother and her young compared to sudden separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Lansade
- INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, University Tours, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Aline Foury
- INRA, UMR 1286, Université Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Céline Parias
- INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, University Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Alice Ruet
- INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, University Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Nuria Mach
- INRA, UMR 1313, AgroParisTech, University Paris-Saclay Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Frédéric Lévy
- INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, University Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Moisan
- INRA, UMR 1286, Université Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, Bordeaux, France
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Mendoza FJ, Toribio RE, Perez-Ecija A. Donkey Internal Medicine—Part I: Metabolic, Endocrine, and Alimentary Tract Disturbances. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [PMCID: PMC7111315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic and endocrine disturbances are common in donkeys. This species has an inherent ability to thrive with limited and poor-quality roughage. Donkeys are extremely efficient in energy storage and mobilization, which predisposes to hyperlipemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of dyslipidemias is higher in donkeys than other equids, which is more evident under stressful conditions. Diagnosis of endocrine and metabolic disorders in donkeys should be based on species-specific information considering that differences in a multitude of variables compared with horses have been demonstrated. Protocols to assess endocrine disorders (e.g., pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and thyroid illness) are unavailable, and extrapolation from horse data can be misleading. Treatment guidelines for these conditions in donkeys are currently not reported. On the other hand, the typical stoic and hardy behavior of donkeys can hinder prompt diagnosis of gastrointestinal problems, specifically colic, which is commonly caused by dental issues in this species. Moreover, subclinical gastric ulcer syndrome appears to be a common pathology in this species, especially in working donkeys. Donkeys are different to horses. Numerous physiological and clinic-pathologic idiosyncrasies are reported in horses. Data published for horses should not be extrapolated for donkeys. Specific reference ranges, doses, and protocols have to be used for donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Mendoza
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugia Animal, Universidad de Cordoba, Campus Rabanales, Cordoba, Spain
- Corresponding author at: Dr Francisco J. Mendoza, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain.
| | - Ramiro E. Toribio
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Alejandro Perez-Ecija
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugia Animal, Universidad de Cordoba, Campus Rabanales, Cordoba, Spain
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Wulf M, Beythien E, Ille N, Aurich J, Aurich C. The stress response of 6-month-old horses to abrupt weaning is influenced by their sex. J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Górecka-Bruzda A, Jaworski Z, Suwała M, Sobczyńska M, Jastrzębska E, Ogłuszka M, Sankey C, Boroń M, Jezierski T. Aversiveness of husbandry procedures for pre-weaned foals: A comparison using behavioural and physiological indices. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Merkies K, DuBois C, Marshall K, Parois S, Graham L, Haley D. A two-stage method to approach weaning stress in horses using a physical barrier to prevent nursing. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Dubcová J, Bartošová J, Komárková M. Effects of prompt versus stepwise relocation to a novel environment on foals' responses to weaning in domestic horses (Equus caballus). J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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10
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Górecka-Bruzda A, Suwała M, Palme R, Jaworski Z, Jastrzębska E, Boroń M, Jezierski T. Events around weaning in semi-feral and stable-reared Konik polski foals: Evaluation of short-term physiological and behavioural responses. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Berger JM, Spier SJ, Davies R, Gardner IA, Leutenegger CM, Bain M. Behavioral and physiological responses of weaned foals treated with equine appeasing pheromone: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. J Vet Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Mendoza FJ, Perez-Ecija RA, Toribio RE, Estepa JC. Thyroid hormone concentrations differ between donkeys and horses. Equine Vet J 2012; 45:214-8. [PMID: 22909401 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00622.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Reference intervals for thyroid hormones (TH) concentrations have not been previously established for donkeys, leading to potential misdiagnosis of thyroid disease. OBJECTIVES To determine the normal values of TH in healthy adult donkeys and compare them to TH values from healthy adult horses. METHODS Thirty-eight healthy Andalusian donkeys and 19 healthy Andalusian horses from 2 different farms were used. Donkeys were divided into 3 age groups: <5, 5-10 and >11 years and into 2 gender groups. Serum concentrations of fT3, tT3, rT3, fT4 and tT4 were quantified by radioimmunoassay. All blood samples were collected the same day in the morning. None of the animals had received any treatment for 30 days prior to sampling or had any history of disease. Both farms were in close proximity and under similar management. Differences between groups were determined using a one-way ANOVA analysis followed by Fisher's LSD test. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Serum TH concentrations were higher in donkeys than in horses (P<0.01). Donkeys <5 years had higher serum rT3, fT4 and tT4 concentrations than donkeys >5 years (P<0.05). Furthermore, older donkeys (>11 years) had lower serum fT3 and tT3 concentrations than younger donkeys' groups (<5 and 5-10 years, P<0.05). TH concentrations were not different between genders (fT3: P = 0.06; tT3: P = 0.08; rT3: P = 0.15; fT4: P = 0.89; and tT4: P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS Thyroid hormone concentrations are different between healthy adult donkeys and horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Establishing species-specific TH reference ranges is important when evaluating clinicopathologic data in equids in order to avoid the misdiagnosis of thyroid gland dysfunction. Further studies to elucidate the physiological mechanisms leading to these differences are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Mendoza
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universidad of Cordoba, Spain.
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Henry S, Zanella AJ, Sankey C, Richard-Yris MA, Marko A, Hausberger M. Adults may be used to alleviate weaning stress in domestic foals (Equus caballus). Physiol Behav 2012; 106:428-38. [PMID: 22406387 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate whether the presence of unrelated adult horses at weaning would reduce the social stress of weaning and the emergence of undesirable behaviours. We tested this hypothesis in 32 domestic foals by comparing short and medium term behavioural and physiological responses to weaning in foals maintained in homogeneous groups of peers (PW) to those of foals grouped with both peers and unrelated adults (AW). In total, three trials were conducted, which each trial consisting of one AW group and one PW group. In all foals, weaning was followed by increased vocalization, increased locomotion and increased salivary cortisol concentration. However, signs of stress were less pronounced and shorter in duration in weanlings housed with unrelated adults (e.g., whinnies: p<0.05; salivary cortisol: p<0.05). Only foals without adults exhibited increased aggressiveness towards peers (p<0.05) and abnormal behaviours (p<0.05) such as excessive wood-chewing and redirected sucking towards peers. In conclusion, introducing adults to minimize weaning stress in foals and later on aggressiveness and abnormal behaviours appears as the most promising approach to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Henry
- Université Rennes 1, UMR CNRS 6552, laboratoire Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Rennes, Station biologique, 35380 Paimpont, France.
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Erber R, Wulf M, Rose-Meierhöfer S, Becker-Birck M, Möstl E, Aurich J, Hoffmann G, Aurich C. Behavioral and physiological responses of young horses to different weaning protocols: a pilot study. Stress 2012; 15:184-94. [PMID: 21875302 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2011.606855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, effects of weaning on behavioral and physiological stress parameters in young horses (foals) were determined. Foals were weaned either simultaneously without the presence of adult horses (group A, n = 6), or in the presence of two adult females familiar but unrelated to the foals (group B, n = 5), or weaned consecutively by removing two mother horses per day (group C, n = 6). Behavior, locomotion, salivary cortisol concentration, beat-to-beat (RR) interval, heart rate variability (HRV) and weight were determined. Group A foals lost weight for 2 days (mean ± SEM) - 8.3 ± 1.6 kg, p < 0.05. Weaning was followed by increased vocalization which was least pronounced in foals of group B (p < 0.05). Locomotion was most pronounced on weaning day in foals of group A and lowest in group B (p < 0.05). Weaning increased salivary cortisol concentration on the day of weaning in groups A and B and for 2 days in group C (p < 0.05). The RR interval decreased most pronouncedly in group A foals (p < 0.05). There were no consistent changes in HRV. Based on cortisol release and behavior, weaning is associated with stress but this was least pronounced in foals weaned in the presence of two familiar but unrelated adult female horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Erber
- Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Science, Neustadt (Dosse), Germany
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Visser EK, Ellis AD, Van Reenen CG. The effect of two different housing conditions on the welfare of young horses stabled for the first time. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Survey of breeders’ management of horses in Europe, North America and Australia: Comparison of factors associated with the development of abnormal behaviour. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Waran NK, Clarke N, Farnworth M. The effects of weaning on the domestic horse (Equus caballus). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Nicol C, Badnell-Waters A, Bice R, Kelland A, Wilson A, Harris P. The effects of diet and weaning method on the behaviour of young horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2005.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Moons C, Laughlin K, Zanella A. Effects of short-term maternal separations on weaning stress in foals. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2004.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Effects of Abrupt vs Gradual Weaning on Cortisol and Immune Function Responses of Foals1. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.15232/s1080-7446(15)31376-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Price EO, Harris JE, Borgward RE, Sween ML, Connor JM. Fenceline contact of beef calves with their dams at weaning reduces the negative effects of separation on behavior and growth rate. J Anim Sci 2003; 81:116-21. [PMID: 12597380 DOI: 10.2527/2003.811116x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that fenceline contact between beef calves and cows at weaning reduces indices of behavioral distress and associated temporary reductions in weight gain. One hundred Angus/Hereford-cross calves were randomly assigned to five treatments for 7 d in each of 3 yr to determine the effect of different weaning techniques on their behavior and subsequent growth. Treatments were 1) fenceline separation from dams on pasture (F-P), 2) total separation from dams on pasture (S-P), 3) total separation from dams in a drylot (corral) preconditioned to hay (S-D-P), 4) total separation from dams in a drylot not preconditioned to hay (S-D-NP), and 5) nonweaned controls on pasture (C-P). At the end of the 7-d postweaning period, all calves were placed on pasture in large groups. Calves were weighed weekly for 10 wk. In the days following weaning, F-P and C-P calves spent more time eating (grazing or eating hay) than S-P and S-D-NP calves (P < 0.05). The S-P calves spent more time walking (pacing) than calves in the other four treatments (P < 0.05), which did not differ. The S-P calves also spent less time lying down than C-P, F-P, and S-D-P calves (P < 0.05); S-P and S-D-NP calves did not differ in lying time. The F-P calves vocalized less than S-P and S-D-NP calves (P < 0.05). In general, treatment differences were greatest during the first 3 d following weaning with d 2 (20 to 30 h after weaning) showing the greatest disparity. The F-P calves spent approximately 60% of their time within 3 m of the fence separating them from their dams during the first 2 d following weaning, whereas F-P cows spent about 40% of their time within 3 m of the fence during this period. Postweaning cumulative body weight gains of the F-P calves were greater than the gains recorded for the calves in the three totally separated treatments (which did not differ). The F-P calves gained 95% more weight than the average calf in the three totally separated treatments in the first 2 wk and were still heavier at 10 wk (21.4 vs 11.0 kg, respectively, at 2 wk and 50.0 vs 38.2 kg, respectively, at 10 wk; P < 0.05). It was concluded that providing fenceline contact between beef calves and cows for 7 d following weaning reduces behavioral indices of distress seen in the totally separated calves. In addition, fenceline contact with dams at weaning minimizes losses in weight gain in the days following separation. Totally separated calves did not compensate for these early losses in weight gain even after 10 wk.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Price
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
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Waters AJ, Nicol CJ, French NP. Factors influencing the development of stereotypic and redirected behaviours in young horses: findings of a four year prospective epidemiological study. Equine Vet J 2002; 34:572-9. [PMID: 12357996 DOI: 10.2746/042516402776180241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Stereotypies are invariant and repetitive behaviour patterns that seemingly have no function, which tend to develop in captive animals faced with insoluble problems and may be indicative of reduced welfare. A 4 year prospective study of the factors influencing the development of stereotypic and redirected behaviours (abnormal behaviour) in a population of 225 young Thoroughbred and part-Thoroughbred horses was conducted between 1995 and 1999. Abnormal behaviour affected 34.7% of the population. Multivariable analysis showed that foals of low- or middle-ranking mares were less likely to develop abnormal behaviour than foals of dominant mares (rate ratio (RR) 0.23, P<0.01; RR 0.48, P<0.01, respectively). Weaning by confinement in a stable or barn was associated with an increased rate of development of abnormal behaviour, compared with paddock-weaning (RR 2.19, P<0.05), and housing in barns, rather than at grass after weaning, was associated with a further increase (RR 2.54, P<0.01). Specific stereotypic and redirected behaviours were then considered as separate outcomes. Crib-biting was initiated by 10.5% of horses at median age 20 weeks, weaving by 4.6% of horses at median age 60 weeks, box-walking by 2.3% of horses at median age 64 weeks and wood-chewing by 30.3% of horses at median age 30 weeks. Wood-chewing developed at a lower rate in horses born to subordinate or mid-ranking mares than in horses born to dominant mares (RR 0.29, P<0.01; RR 0.41, P<0.01, respectively), and at a higher rate in horses kept in barns or stables rather than at grass after weaning (RR 4.49, P<0.001; RR 1A6, P<0.001, respectively). Feeding concentrates after weaning was associated with a 4-fold increase in the rate of development of crib-biting (RR 4.12, P = 0.02). The results of this study support the idea that simple changes in feeding, housing and weaning practices could substantially lower the incidence of abnormal behaviour in young horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Waters
- University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, Bristol, UK
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Heleski C, Shelle A, Nielsen B, Zanella A. Influence of housing on weanling horse behavior and subsequent welfare. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1591(02)00108-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Demmers S, Johannisson A, Gröndahl G, Jensen-Waern M. Neutrophil functions and serum IgG in growing foals. Equine Vet J 2001; 33:676-80. [PMID: 11770989 DOI: 10.2746/042516401776249327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the phagocytic and killing capacities as well as expression of CD18 of neutrophils obtained from healthy foals from birth to age 8 months. Blood was taken from 6 Standardbred foals at 7 time-points between ages 2-56 days and thereafter once a month. For comparison, cells from 16 mature horses were evaluated. Neutrophil phagocytosis of yeast cells was assessed by flow cytometry after opsonisation with mature pooled serum, autologous serum or anti-yeast IgG. The killing capacity of the neutrophils, as indicated by the oxidative burst, was monitored by chemiluminescence. Serum IgG concentration was measured by radial immunodiffusion. In addition to clinical examination, the amount of serum amyloid A and the total leucocyte count were used as markers for infection. The phagocytic ability was impaired until age 3 weeks, when autologous serum was used as opsonin. Killing capacity was also low initially but, from 3 months onwards, chemiluminescence values were equal to or higher than in mature horses. Serum IgG decreased from 10 g/l at 2 days to 5 g/l at 2 months and then increased gradually to 10 g/l at the end of the study. These findings may in part explain the increased susceptibility to bacterial infections in young horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Demmers
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala
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26
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Vatistas NJ, Sifferman RL, Holste J, Cox JL, Pinalto G, Schultz KT. Induction and maintenance of gastric ulceration in horses in simulated race training. Equine Vet J 1999:40-4. [PMID: 10696292 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05167.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Gastric ulceration is a prevalent condition of racehorses. A number of models of gastric ulceration have been described, but none mimic the conditions of a horse in training. The objectives of this study were to determine whether gastric ulcers could be induced and maintained in a group of horses in simulated race training. In addition, serum cortisol was measured on a weekly basis to investigate the possibility that stress may be important in the pathogenesis of gastric ulceration. Thirty horses used in the trial were fed Bermuda grass hay and 6 kg of a concentrate diet, and exercised 6 days/week at speed over a distance of 1.6-2.4 km. Serum was collected and gastroendoscopic examinations performed on a weekly basis for the duration of the trial. All horses developed moderate to severe ulceration, and ulcers were maintained for the 56 day period of the trial. Only one horse had signs of abdominal discomfort, which resolved with minimal symptomatic treatment and without the use of anti-ulcer medications. Serum cortisol remained within reference ranges for the duration of the trial. Although there was some variation between the weekly examinations, serum cortisol concentrations were decreased from values obtained at the start of the trial. In this study ulcers developed without the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents or withholding of feed. This model provides a method to study the condition, and to investigate the effects of medications on the healing of ulcers in racehorses.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Vatistas
- Department of Veterinary Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA
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27
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Coleman RJ, Mathison GW, Burwash L. Growth and condition at weaning of extensively managed creep-fed foals. J Equine Vet Sci 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0737-0806(99)80031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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28
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Warren L, Lawrence L, Parker A, Barnes T, Griffin A. The effect of weaning age on foal growth and radiographic bone density. J Equine Vet Sci 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0737-0806(98)80548-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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29
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Apter R, Householder D. Weaning and weaning management of foals: A review and some recommendations. J Equine Vet Sci 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/s0737-0806(96)80208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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30
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Lowden S, Heath T. Segmented filamentous bacteria associated with lymphoid tissues in the ileum of horses. Res Vet Sci 1995; 59:272-4. [PMID: 8588105 DOI: 10.1016/0034-5288(95)90016-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Segmented filamentous bacteria preferentially attached to the follicle-associated epithelium overlying the lymphoid tissue in samples of the terminal ileum from seven horses examined by scanning electron microscopy. The bacteria adhered to the apical membrane of the enterocytes by a holdfast segment. Each filament tended to be of uniform diameter, but the filaments ranged from 0.7 to 1.4 microns in diameter. The bacteria were usually absent from the adjacent villous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lowden
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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31
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Abstract
Lambs weaned at eight weeks old were compared with control lambs which remained with their dams; both groups grazed the same pasture. Weaning significantly reduced the growth rate, control lambs being, on average, 6 kg heavier than weaned lambs at 15 weeks old. When contamination of pasture with larval parasites was light, both groups of lambs suffered only modest parasitic infections. When lambs were experimentally infected with 5000 Haemonchus contortus and 10,000 Trichostrongylus colubriformis larvae at eight weeks old, the mean faecal egg count for weaned lambs was twice that for controls at 12 weeks old (P less than 0.001) and weaned lambs suffered a significantly greater decline in packed cell volume than controls over the next four weeks. Antibody responses following immunisation with either ovalbumin or Brucella abortus at four and at eight weeks old, did not differ significantly between control and weaned lambs. In contrast serum antibody responses to H contortus and T colubriformis differed significantly between the two groups, with controls responding earlier and more strongly than weaned lambs. The practical significance of these findings is that up to three months old, suckled lambs, when faced with a substantial parasite challenge, have much better prospects than weaned lambs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Watson
- CSIRO Division of Animal Health, Pastoral Research Laboratory, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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33
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Malinowski K, Hallquist N, Helyar L, Sherman A, Scanes C. Effect of different separation protocols between mares and foals on plasma cortisol and cell-mediated immune response. J Equine Vet Sci 1990. [DOI: 10.1016/s0737-0806(06)80098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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